Qatar says a four-day humanitarian pause in fighting in the Gaza Strip will begin at 7 a.m. on Friday local time, with Hamas to free some hostages later in the day.
A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the arrangements are in accordance with an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Qatar has been mediating between the two sides.
The spokesperson said Hamas will release 13 women and children hostages at around 4 p.m. on Friday. The deal calls for a total of 50 hostages to be freed.
He emphasized that the deal's implementation had been delayed to allow for careful discussions to ensure the hostages will not be hurt when they are released.
Hamas said on social media that the suspension of its hostilities, the freeing of hostages, and the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails will start at 7 a.m. on Friday, and continue for four days.
Hamas also said 200 truckloads of aid and medical supplies and four truckloads of fuel will enter Gaza daily during the pause.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that it has received an initial list of the names of the hostages to be released. It says officials are checking the details of the list, and are in contact with the families.
xinhua
